Monday, March 31, 2008

He Inspires Us

The last few days I feel I have been inspired by my Heavenly Father.

1. I met with the Bishop yesterday for my temple recommend interview. After talking with him I walked away with a renewed faith and inspiration that my Heavenly Father really does know me, and recognizes how hard I work to do what is right.

2. We had the opportunity to see Gladys Knight and her SUV choir last night. I was so INSPIRED. Her testimony and her husbands were beautiful and the music was amazing. We are so blessed to have great music in our lives.

3. I have been really struggling to find my place in my calling. There are many factors here, and I have just been frustrated. Today, as I was fuming about it I prayed to know what to do. It was amazing the peace and comfort I felt after that. The thoughts and quotes and scripture that came to mind. Heavenly Father knows the intent of my heart, I want to serve him. He inspired me to know what to do and the appropriate way to do it.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

He Knows What We Need

Eight years ago, Dylan and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Both of us were naive, as each newlywed couple is. Never in a million years would I have thought that I could learn and experience so much. Never in a million years would I have expected the heartache, the trials, the joys, and the growth that I have experienced in the last eight years.
I'm one of those people who always needs a plan, and like every new bride the plan in my head eight years ago was very different from the plan that I am living today. Many times I have been frustrated because things haven't gone "as planned". If I have learned anything it's that He (My Heavenly Father) is in control not me, and the I need to be more willing to submit to and have faith in His plan.
The one thing that I am sure of is, that when I married my husband, Heavenly Father knew what I needed. I needed someone who would open my eyes, show me the world in a new way, and teach me patience, love and most of all forgiveness.
We are here on this Earth to become like Him, this eternal marriage thing isn't perfect from the get go (oh, how I wish it was) the struggle and journey prove to be fruitful. I have seen these fruits already, watching my non-member father in-law become a member, teaching my daughter the gospel, having a husband who is temple worthy, having a livlihood that supports our family. I am sure there are many more great things to come. I know that Heavenly Father knows what I need. I am so glad that I need Dylan.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

He Reminds Us

Small, but simple this one is.

Yesterday morning, in that stage between sleep and awake. My thoughts were turned to my bank account balance. Then, it turned to the date, and then it hit me how much money was in my bank account, and that today our car insurance, and savings deduction would come out today. I knew I had already recorded these expenses in my register, but the figure I was remembering online would not allow for these deductions.

Then panic. I was now awake. I ran to the computer and started to do a little research. I had indeed forgotten these monthly deductions that would process at any moment. I had plenty of time to move money around, but had I not taken care of it, I would have had one terrible day yesterday.

Later, I was thinking, why would I think of that yesterday. Why didn't I remember earlier, then it hit me. . . Sarah you didn't remember, you had forgotten, He reminded you.

Too often we look at what we think are coincidences and think wow, what a coincidence. I don't think we give credit where credit is due. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father. He watches over me. I also know that I have been given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. When I listen I am guided, and I am blessed.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

I Need To Wake Up!

The last few weeks have left me feeling spiritually asleep. The first week after the miscarriage I prayed a lot and studied and felt prayers were answered. Then, I don't know if it was to cover the emotions I was feeling or what, but I just stopped feeling. As a result I've been focussing on everything, but my spirituality, trying not to get caught up in things that make me feel. So, sorry for the dry spell here. I know that my burdens would be lighter if I would take a little more time to recognize what I have been given. Unfortunately, I have these blinders on that only allow me to see negative.
One thing I have been totally aware of are the people Heavenly Father has surrounded me with. Wow, its amazing what a few good friends can do. I have been blessed by the wonderful friends I have who have made an effort to be there for me. I am so grateful for this right now. Thank You!

Monday, February 25, 2008

He Gives Us Blessings

After talking with my mom today, I started thinking what our life would be like if we were still living in Idaho right now. Quickly I thought we are so blessed to be in Texas right now. The economy in Idaho, took a serious dive right after we left. I don't think we could have escaped the recourses of this. I feel that we were definately blessed, by this opportunity. It is sad being far away from family, but I feel that we are here for a reason, and I know that are lives are better because of it.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Reminds Us That He Is In Control

Let me tell you a few things that have shown me the hand of God and then I will tell you why.

1. Dylan's Parents being here this weekend
2. The people I babysit for, calling yesterday to tell me my schedule is changed and I won't have to babysit this week.
3. Little promptings here and there that things aren't okay.
4. A wonderful supportive husband
5. Watching a movie, that we were expecting to be funny, but was really about dealing with hard times in marriage.
6. Having a child that has a complete understanding of the gospel.
7. Praying to know what do to and being prompted to go to the ER
8. Praying for peace and comfort and finding it around every corner.

Last night we visited the ER. Long story short I have miscarried. As I laid my head down at 4:00 a.m. to finally go to sleep, all that kept going through my head was the many things that were put into motion with out my control.

1. Dylan's parents didn't know I would miscarry this weekend and we would need their help, they didn't even know we were pregnant yet. They usually go home on Monday when they come but decided at the last minute to ask for an extra day off.
2. Yesterday we were sightseeing with Dylan's parents, and I got a phone call from the people that I babysit for. They were out of town but called to let me know that their schedule has changed and that I would not have to babysit this week. When I got off the phone, I had this prompting that there definately was a reason that this happened.
3. All last week I was feeling that something was not right, but I ignored those promptings. 4. Dylan, could I ask for a stronger man? He has been so great and has known exactly what to say.
5. Yesterday evening, we went with the in-laws to pick a movie at Blockbuster, someone picked up Why Did I Get married? (one of the guys) we all thought it would be funny, while it had a few funny parts it was pretty serious, and was about different couples handling challenges in their marriages. A great reminder before you realize that you have to go to the ER.
6. When I got home from the hospital last night, all I wanted was to have Dylan hold me and me hold Claire. We talked about things this morning and this kid is such a blessing in my life. She understands, and she even was sad, but she completely understood that our baby was with Heavenly Father and things were okay. Granted she wanted to go to the baby store and buy a new baby, but she did understand.
7. As I ignored previous promptings, last night when I realized that something was definately not right, I cried, and cried and got down on my knees, I was scared. I didn't know what I should say if I were to call the Doctor's office in the morning. I didn't know if I was overreacting. I didn't know what to do. I climbed into bed and worried some more. I went to the Bathroom again, and was strongly prompted to go to the ER. Once again I wanted to ignore this prompting, thinking that I was being over cautious. This time though it wouldn't go away, and I listened.
8. Last night I also prayed to find peace and comfort with what ever happened. While I was scared before we went to the hospital, once we were there I was fine. When we recieved the news I was sad, which is what is to be expected. Then as my fabulous husband and I talked on the car ride home, and when we went to bed, he knew what to say and I knew what he was saying is true.

I know that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father who loves me!! I know that he has a plan for each of us. We are free to choose, but God's will is stronger than mans and He knows all. He knows what I need, He knows that I can bear this burden, He loves me. Sometimes we need reminded that it is not in our hands. It's in God's.

Monday, February 18, 2008

He Answers Our Prayers

We have been doing infertility for six months now. Two weeks ago was my clomid check. The day before was fast Sunday. Dylan and I decided to fast and pray to know if we should keep doing this. Unfortunately, we didn't feel like we got an answer. I went to the Dr. the next day, I was late, not having started my cycle. The Dr. had me take a urine pregnancy test and it was negative. I came home devastated. I just felt like I could not go through another month of nothing. But, my cycle never started. I tested a few days later and it was positive. Yea!!! We are going to have a baby. As I look back, we probably didn't feel like we recieved an answer because we already had one, and just didn't know it. I love how Heavenly Father always reminds us that he is in charge and not us. I have been extremely worried about things this time around. I am so blessed to know that I can kneel down at any time and call upon my Father in Heaven and find comfort and solace in him. He really does answer our prayers!!